A former policeman living Sandbach is starting a new chapter in his life – thanks to a support service launched after Covid.

Cheshire East Council launched the Reconnect Service providing help for those over 55 whose confidence had been knocked by the pandemic.

And Nicholas Castle, a former policeman and public speaker who had previously led a very busy life, has been helped get back on his feet thanks to the service, provided through a company called Revival.

Revival, part of the Honeycomb Group, champions services and support that help people across Staffordshire and its surrounding areas.

The help Nicholas received gave him the courage to speak to his local MP about issues in the neighbourhood and now he is aiming to help others in his neighbourhood by becoming a parish councillor.  

A relationship breakdown for Nicholas affected his confidence, made him feel alone, and isolated from his friends, family, and community. Alongside this he was also struggling to manage his anxiety and deal with PTSD.

He was referred to Revival's Cheshire East Reconnect service, a 12-month temporary service, now closed, that helped local people rebuild their confidence and reconnect with their communities after the pandemic.

Support Worker Becky Kenny helped Nicholas to rebuild his confidence and gave him a new outlook on life.

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Nicholas says that when he was first referred to Revival, he was on his knees and their support and encouragement gave him the confidence to rebuild his life.

 "When I first came to Revival, I was isolated and alone", he said. "My relationship breakdown really affected me. I would never go out unless I really needed to and didn't have anyone to see or speak to about my problems.

 "Revival just offered an open ear and gave me that encouragement to rebuild my life.

 "In the beginning, I was looking for a purpose and didn't know which road to go down. Revival helped me to look at my options and encouraged me to try new things.

 "They helped to provide coping mechanisms like playing with my cards and doing magic, alongside therapy.

Revival is part of the Honeycomb Group  (Photo: Revival)

"They also encouraged me to attend local training courses, stay active with regular walks with my dog, and speak to people in my community."

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 Thanks to the support Nicholas says he's in a much better place.

 "Revival helped me to restore my confidence and build new connections with people in my neighbourhood," he said.

 "I now have a close relationship with one of my neighbours and I regularly help her out.

"My overall wellbeing is so much better, and I couldn't have got through it without Revival's support and reassurance."

"Revival gave me the courage to speak to my local MP about issues in the neighbourhood and he's now helping me to become a parish councillor.

"I'm hoping to help people like me and my neighbours who are isolated and alone.  It's my way of giving back to people in their time of need, like Revival helped me."

Support worker Becky says she's proud of how far he's come.

"It's been a pleasure supporting Nicholas and helping him to rebuild his confidence. It's great to see him thriving and wanting to help others now too."

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